Sombre Meaning in English
word
ˈsɒmbə
SAM-buh
sˈɒmbɐ
SOM-buh
Definition
Describes something dark, gloomy, or sad in mood, color, or appearance. It can refer to both physical darkness and a serious or sad atmosphere.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and literary contexts, describing mood, weather, colors, or situations. Common with 'mood', 'atmosphere', 'tone', or describing visual scenes. Note British spelling 'sombre'; American English often uses 'somber'.
Spanish: sombrío - lúgubrePortuguese (BR): sombrio - lúgubrePortuguese (PT): sombrio - lúgubreChinese (Simplified): 阴郁的 - 昏暗的Chinese (Traditional): 陰鬱的 - 昏暗的Hindi: म्लान - उदासArabic: قاتم - كئيبBengali: গম্ভীর - ম্রিয়মাণ - অন্ধকারাচ্ছন্নRussian: мрачный - унылыйJapanese: 陰鬱な - 暗いVietnamese: ảm đạm - u ámKorean: 음침한 - 침울한Turkish: kasvetli - ağırbaşlıUrdu: سنجیدہ - اُداس - تاریکIndonesian: suram - muram
Example Sentences
The sky looked sombre before the storm.
basic
She wore a sombre dress to the ceremony.
basic
There was a sombre mood in the room.
basic
His voice was sombre when he shared the bad news.
natural
The old photograph had a sombre tone that made me feel nostalgic.
natural
Everyone grew sombre as the conversation turned serious.
natural